DOI : 10.3745/JIPS.2010.6.1.121
Strategic Information Systems Alignment:
Alignment of IS/IT with Business Strategy
Abdisalam Issa-Salwe*, Munir Ahmed*, Khalid Aloufi* and Muhammad Kabir*
Abstract—Using information systems effectively requires an understanding of the organisation, management, and the technology shaping the systems. All information systems can be described as organisational and management solutions to challenges posed by the environment.
The advances in information systems have affect on our day-to day lives . As the technology is evolving immensely so are the opportunities in a healthy way to prepare the organisation in the competitive advantage environment In order to manage the IS/IT based systems, it is important to have an appropriate strategy that defines the systems and provide means to manage them. Strategic Information Systems Alignment (SISA) is an effective way of developing and maintaining the IS/IT systems that support the business operations.
Alignment of the IS/IT plans and the business plans is essential for improved business performance, this research looks at the key features of SISA in the changing business circumstances in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords—Information Systems, Information Systems, Business Planning, Planning
Strategy, IT/IS Alignment.
1. INTRODUCTION
Today it is widely known that information knowledge is vital for managers. Beside organisations need information systems to survive and prosper, information systems can help them expand their reach, offer new products and better services. An information system is an enable technology and if it is not controlled and lined up with the organisational business strategy, it will disable the organisational ability in the competitive advantage [3].
Strategically placing IT/IS within the organisation involved moving IT/IS professionals into business units, making business-related
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